Eric Johnson-type Licks

by Christopher Sung A few years ago, I spent some time trying to get familiar with some of the devices that Eric uses to make his playing so fresh. Although he is known for his tone, and the violin-like brilliance in his playing, I found that his use of uncommon patterns in the blues scale produces incredibly hip lines when played at high speed. In this example, note in beat 1 of measure 2 how the E, A, and D played on three separate strings gives this blues run a great feel.